Ms

[Smiley]

Hi,
I am new to this site and have a problem. In 2002 I was diagnosed with MS. In Nov. of 2006, breast cancer. I'vr been thru chemo, radiation and now I'm on herceptin. WHen the cancer was discovered my neurologist took me off all MS meds and they modulate the immune system. They tell me now I can restart them but I am terrrified that if there is one little cancer cell left my immune system won't be able to deal with it. While I don't want to end up in a wheelchair because of the MS cancer can kill!Has anyone else had to make this decision? Thanks.
Smiley

[Bev]

Sorry, can't help. Posting to keep your thread alive. Just praying for the day they can fix all of us. BB

[Lolly]

Hi Smiley;

I can understand your fear. It's difficult for me to comment on this as I don't know much about MS. Try posting your question on the main board, "her2 group"; there are several members who are in the medical field and who may have some helpful advice.

<3 Lolly

[Monica]

Hi
I was diagnosed with MS "possible" back in 2003. I have some of the presenting symptoms but my brain MRI has been clear. I have been fortunate that after the initial attack, my symptoms have been relatively mild. I'm not on any medication; I'm just taking a herb called padma which seems to have helped me quite a bit. However, I really know your pain and dilemna. When I tried tamoxifen my MS symptoms got much worse, and for me, watching myself deteriorate with MS was worse than the risk of cancer coming back. So I stopped taking tamoxifen. These kind of choices feel very unfair.

As for your question, I think you will be okay. Did you know that there are some trials where they actually are trying chemo drugs (although at much lower dosages) to fight MS? Perhaps your MS drug regime will help keep cancer away (wouldn't that be nice). You really should talk to an MS doctor. The problem with MS is that your immune system is overactive, and I don't think that makes it a better fighter against cancer. The drugs I think are trying to get your immune system to a more calm place. But I would talk to a doctor who only works with MS patients.

If you want to talk some more about it, you're welcome to email me. I know I often feel alone having to deal with both MS and cancer.

Best,
Monica